Civil Rights

Nikita “Nicki” Rainey: is the Director of the Civil Rights Bureau with the Iowa Department of Transportation. She has been with the Iowa DOT since July 11, 2011. She is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating and providing technical assistance to internal and external customers doing business with the Iowa DOT ensuring compliance with 49 CFR § 23 & 26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements as well as certifying Small Business Development Contractors. Prior to joining the Iowa DOT, she was the Business & Project Administrator for Pauline Company, Inc. (a DBE heavy-highway construction company), and W.C. Stokes Estates/Stokes Development, LLC (Section 42 housing developer), for 21 years. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting with a Minor Emphasis in Human Resources and has completed several graduate level courses in the Master of Public Policy and School Counseling Programs.

Amy Weerheim is the ADA Coordinator in the Civil Rights Bureau for the Iowa Department of Transportation. Amy serves in a hybrid position serving in the affirmative action and equal employment opportunity space and specializes in ADA Titles I and Title II. Amy began employment at Iowa DOT in 2018. Her previous experience includes working as a Workforce Coordinator and Applicant Coordinator for law enforcement professionals. Amy serves as a member of the AASHTOs Civil Rights Committee. She enjoys working with the disability community and bridging the gap to accessibility. Amy is certified as a society for human resources management (SHRM) senior certified professional and ADA Coordinator. She is a graduate of AIB College of Business with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, and the proud mother of twin boys.

Steve Kerber: is employed as an Affirmative Action Compliance Officer in the Civil Rights Bureau of the IA DOT. He began employment with the IA DOT Bureau in October of 2012. Prior to that, Kerber was employed as an Adult Services Supports Administrator with two Counties in Southern Iowa.

The Affirmative Action Compliance Officer’s Title VI responsibilities includes monitoring other civil rights provisions of federal statues and other related authorities to the extent that theyprohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The purpose of outreach training is to provide cities, counties, municipalities with information and guidance on Title VI.

Kerber received a Bachelor of Arts in history/literature from the University of Iowa and has earned graduate work credits in Public Administration through Iowa State University. He also has considerable legal administration and research skills through training and service experiences with the United States Naval Reserve.

Kerber has attended and completed Face2Face Communication Courses, Leadership4Change Courses, and several Team Building Courses that have been offered through the IA DOT. Kerber has also attended and completed Federal Transit Authority “PASS” Training, Federal Highway Administration ADA Advocacy Training, and Human Trafficking Awareness Training. Kerber continues to be interested in American and European Histories from the 20th Century forward. His studies continue to be a connection to his personnel and professional commitments to an inclusive and open communities for all.

Tracey Bradley: Affirmative Action Compliance Officer, started employment July 2017, with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Civil Rights Bureau, assigned to the Title VI and Contractor Compliance programs. Major duties and responsibilities include conduct Title VI and Contractor Compliance Reviews, approve Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies,develop Title VI Informational materials, serve as the Title VI Liaison for all localities, and provide Civil Rights training as it relates to transportation programs and activities.

Danny Wagener: A Civil Rights Compliance Officer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Civil Rights Bureau. He has been with the Iowa DOT since December, 2016. He is primarily responsible certifying new Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBE), conducting their annual reviews, managing the DBE Truck Roster, and administering the Construction Industry Training (CIT) Fund. Prior to joining the Iowa DOT, he was a Civil Rights Specialist with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for eight years. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies and a Master of Public Policy.